Bird Box
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
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Ah, yes. Bird Box by Susanne Bier was one of those Netflix darlings that had its day in the sun for a while, with the pop culture impact to boot (like Bandersnatch, like Tiger King, and now Squid Game). I remember when people were trying to do the challenge that wound up being attached to this picture, where people would have to accomplish things blindfolded (in any capacity), mimicking the characters from this film that had to get by without their sight (as to not see the mysterious beings that drive viewers to suicide). Bird Box was everywhere and seemingly inescapable, until it was dropped by society like a hot potato. That’s because the film’s true nature outshined its mass hysteria it spawned: Bird Box isn’t that brilliant of a film underneath its niche and interesting premise.
Part of its issues stem from the fact that Bird Box is made up of some really strong elements, but it almost feels like none of these aspects are utilized properly at all. An interesting premise by Arrival writer Eric Heisserer — an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Josh Malerman — feels squandered by the strategy to resort to tonal conventions. The score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (two of the hottest composers in the cinematic market) gets barely used (and even somewhat inaudible at times). Sandra Bullock turns in a strong performance in a film that lags pretty far behind her. It feels like there could have been a refreshing, powerful horror here, and yet we have a picture that honestly doesn’t feel memorable after it is seen.
Separate elements of Bird Box are strong, but even these aren’t utilized well enough.
I do like that Bird Box tries, and none of its faults are based off of any form of laziness or negative chemistry. I just feel like these strong ingredients weren’t used properly; maybe too much or too little of this one spice, tossing in another ingredient that doesn’t work, and even the possibility of overcooking the meal rings true here. There’s enough mystery (what are these creatures, and what is it about them that drives people towards death by suicide?), intrigue (how far can our protagonists go in search of safety within what feels like an inhabitable world), and other alluring factors that Bird Box could have absolutely held up as this curious film that dominated a month or two. Instead it’s just okay: a film that dissipates from your consciousness as soon as those credits roll.
Andreas Babiolakis has a Masters degree in Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management from Ryerson University, as well as a Bachelors degree in Cinema Studies from York University. His favourite times of year are the Criterion Collection flash sales and the annual Toronto International Film Festival.